Safeway fined nearly $10M for illegal disposal of waste

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Safeway supermarket chain has been ordered to pay nearly $10 million for illegally dumping batteries, electronics and pharmaceuticals in California landfills.

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley says the practice occurred at more than 500 Safeway, Vons, Pavilions and Pak 'n Save stores and distribution sites throughout California for more than seven years.

More than 40 state district attorneys and two city attorneys united to sue Pleasanton, California-based Safeway Inc. A judge ordered the company to pay $9.87 million in a settlement approved Friday.